Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S 6hp stalls after engaging front wheel drive, intake pipe, front wheel drive

Question
Eric,

I have a Craftsman 22in. 6 hp B&S mower. It has been fine for tha last 5 years. However, now it seems that it keeps stalling out whenever I engage the gear to move forward. It runs for a minute or two, and when I put it in gear, it just dies. I replaced the plug which was badly fouled. I also took the fuel lines off and made sure they weren't clogged. My yard is rough on mowers so I wouldn't be surprised if I whacked something out. I am not sure how to take the carb out to clean it as I didn't want to mess up any of the linkage stuff. Any ideas? Thanks Much!

Answer
The Briggs carbs are easy to remove and clean.  You will have to remove the air cleaner and housing to access the carb.  If you have a primer bulb most likely you will have to replace the air cleaner housing to carb gasket...these gaskets rip almost every time.

The linkage is a simple "Z" bend.  Remove the two screws holding the carb to the intake pipe.  Gently pull the carb off the pipe and then remove it from the "Z" end of the carb linkage.

Dis-assemlbe and clean carb with compressed air from an air compress.  You can use carb cleaner to ensure all the carb orfices are clean.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric